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Board hears warning that early learning program subsidy could exhaust interlocal funds
Summary
Administrators told the Clinton Elem board the early learning program costs roughly $100,000 per year and that continued subsidies from the interlocal fund could deplete reserves; staff also discussed enrollment, testing and campus safety updates.
Administrators told the Clinton Elem School Board that the district’s early learning program is costing about $100,000 per year and that continued reliance on interlocal subsidies could exhaust those reserves if state or grant funding does not increase.
Heather (the business manager) said the program had been funded originally by a literacy grant and later by interlocal funds; she told the board, "It is running about a 100,000 a year for that program," and urged fiscal caution so the district does not deplete its rainy-day savings.
Enrollment details: staff reported eight registered students for the upcoming year with two out-of-district students on a waiting list, potentially bringing enrollment to 10. The board noted testing for eligibility is scheduled in April and that historically nearly all applicants qualify. Administrators said state rules require a certified teacher for classes of 10; with an aide, classes can expand to 18, but the district reduced caps to preserve program quality.
Safety and facilities: the board discussed moving the facilities walkthrough from March to April to better evaluate summer projects and noted plans to update the crisis guide and handbook to include the I Love You Guys Foundation communications model. Administrators described using University of Montana resources for campus safety evaluations and exploring state matching funds for AED purchases.
Why it matters: the district’s choice to subsidize the early learning program affects limited interlocal reserves and could lead to program reductions if outside funding does not materialize. Administrators emphasized balancing program quality with fiscal sustainability.
Quote: Principal Tim (speaker 2) emphasized a focus on supporting students’ behavior and math outcomes, while Heather raised funding concerns and the need to preserve emergency reserves.
What’s next: Staff will continue to monitor enrollment and funding; testing is scheduled for April and the board indicated it will revisit program capacity and funding choices in future meetings.
